IPL 2018: Analysis of best performers for Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders have delivered consistently over the last seven years after falling flat in the first three editions. The franchise, with a big fan following, won the coveted IPL trophy two times in 2012 and 2014. Over the last 10 years, there have been a lot of breath taking performances from this team. In this article, we analyse KKR's best performers till date.
From Dada to Gauti: KKR's leadership story
The franchise started off with Sourav Ganguly at the helm. Dada led the team in 2008 and 2010. In 2009, KKR had multiple captains. Under Dada's leadership, KKR finished sixth in both 2008 and 2010. Dada left KKR in 2011 and Gautam Gambhir became the new leader. Gambhir went on to win 2 titles and helped KKR reach play-offs in five seasons.
Gambhir has been a phenomenal captain
Gambhir's success rate at KKR has been impressive as he brought a lot of consistency. Out of 123 matches, he won 70 and had a win percentage of 57.31. Gambhir's two IPL titles makes him the best skipper of KKR.
KKR bode several consistent batsmen
Over the last 10 years, KKR enjoyed several top batsmen in their ranks. Brendon McCullum set the stage on fire in the inaugural match in 2008 with a stellar 158*. Sourav Ganguly entertained us as well. Since then, many players went on to become consistent performers. The likes of Jacques Kallis, Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan and Gambhir scored vital runs.
Gambhir's batting was a class apart
Gautam Gambhir was a revelation for KKR and remains their highest run scorer till now. With 3,345 runs and a best score of 93, the southpaw was in a different dimension. His 590 runs in the 2012 campaign helped KKR win their maiden title.
Several bowlers lit up the Knights in 10 years
KKR have had a variety of bowlers in their ranks in the last 10 years. The likes of Brett Lee, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Umesh Yadav Shakib Al-Hasan and Sunil Narine played vital roles. Players who represented KKR for just one season like Chris Woakes and Nathan Coulter-Nile also made their presence felt. Piyush Chawla too became a vital cog in recent years.
West Indian Sunil Narine in the summit
Mystery spinner Sunil Narine's guile and vision made him tenacious and tough to read for batsmen. 91 games later, he is KKR's highest wicket-taker with 113 to his name. His economy of 6.22 shows his importance.
Manoj Tiwary was electrifying in the field
The former Knight represented the Eastern giants from 2010-2013 and in those four years he quickly asserted himself on the field. In 54 matches, he took 30 catches for KKR. Positioned mostly at cover region and the boundary line, Tiwary was a delight to watch.
